Large-scale management of insect resistance to transgenic cotton in Arizona: can transgenic insecticidal crops be sustained?

J Econ Entomol. 2001 Apr;94(2):315-25. doi: 10.1603/0022-0493-94.2.315.

Abstract

A major challenge for agriculture is management of insect resistance to toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) produced by transgenic crops. Here we describe how a large-scale program is being developed in Arizona for management of resistance to Bt cotton in the pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), and other insect pests of cotton. Financial support from growers makes this program possible. Collaboration between the Arizona Cotton Research and Protection Council, the University of Arizona, and government agencies has led to development of resistance management guidelines, a remedial action plan, and tools for monitoring compliance with the proposed guidelines. Direct participation in development of resistance management policies is a strong incentive for growers to invest in resistance management research. However, more research, regularly updated regulations, and increased collaboration between stakeholders are urgently needed to maintain efficacy of Bt toxins in transgenic crops.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Arizona
  • Bacillus thuringiensis Toxins
  • Bacillus thuringiensis*
  • Bacterial Proteins* / genetics
  • Bacterial Toxins*
  • Biological Evolution
  • Endotoxins* / genetics
  • Gossypium*
  • Hemolysin Proteins
  • Insecticide Resistance
  • Moths*
  • Pest Control, Biological*
  • Plants, Genetically Modified*
  • United States
  • United States Environmental Protection Agency

Substances

  • Bacillus thuringiensis Toxins
  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Bacterial Toxins
  • Endotoxins
  • Hemolysin Proteins
  • insecticidal crystal protein, Bacillus Thuringiensis